BOSTON — The department of education has received nearly two dozen proposals from groups hoping to open new charter schools across Massachusetts.

The jump— up from seven last year — follows a decision earlier this spring to lift a moratorium on new applications for several cities, including Boston and Lawrence, which still have a cap on the maximum number of charter school seats.

The head of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, Marc Kenen, said he welcomed the increase in proposals, but is urging state lawmakers and the administration to lift all caps on charter schools.

Groups whose proposals show the most promise will be notified by mid-September and invited to submit a full application.

Sixteen new charters were awarded in February 2011, and an additional four were approved this past February.